Cruise River Kwai Express

Sunday. Welcome to Bangkok, the bustling capital city of Thailand! A world-renowned tourist destination, this vibrant city offers an eclectic mix of lively street life, cultural landmarks, and busy shopping areas.

Arriving at Suvarnabhumi or Donmuang Airport, you'll be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Bangkok. Why not try some tasty street food or take a thrilling tuk tuk ride?

Bangkok - Ban Kao. Leaving behind bustling Bangkok, our journey to Kanchanaburi begins with a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi, home to Thailand's largest stupa, a monumental structure standing at an impressive 127 meters.

Next stops include the riverside Khao Noi Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Noi) and the nearby Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) which features Thai cultural artistry.

Upon our arrival in Kanchanaburi, we pay a visit to the JEATH War Museum, a poignant depiction of a World War II prisoner of war camp. The museum provides insight into the harrowing living conditions and the hardships endured by detainees who were forced to build the Thai-Burma 'Death Railway.'

From here, we board the RV River Kwai at Nong Ya Dock, a colonial-style inland cruise ship. Enjoy lunch and dinner aboard the ship, with the afternoon at leisure.

Ban Kao - Sai Yok. Our relaxing river cruise continues upstream on the Kwai Noi River towards Muang Singh.

After breakfast, step ashore as we visit Prasat Muang Singh, a historical park adorned with Khmer architecture dating back a staggering 800 years.

We continue by coach to Tha Kilen Train Station, a site holding great significance during the construction of the Thai-Burma 'Death Railway.' Taking a third-class train to Saphan Tham Krasae, we will pass over 300 metre-long trestle bridges that cling to the cliff side.

On arrival, we visit the riverside Krasae Cave, which houses a revered Buddha image. We then continue by coach to Sai Yok village on the riverbank.

Lunch and dinner will take place onboard the ship, with the afternoon at leisure.

Sai Yok - Ban Hin Dad. Today marks our final day of cruising! After breakfast, enjoy a short uphill stroll to Kaeng Lava Cave, the area's deepest cave filled with stalactites and hidden chambers.

Continuing our journey by coach, we reach Hellfire Pass, a notorious segment of the 'Death Railway,' meticulously carved through a towering stone mountain.

As we follow the trail leading to Hin Tok Bridge and the Konyu Cutting, we encounter a plaque, bearing witness to the profound hardships endured by the prisoners of war (POW) who were under Japanese enslavement during the railway's construction.

The Hin Lek Fai memorial complex stands as a poignant tribute to the fallen Allied soldiers and conscripted laborers from Burma, India, Malaysia, and Thailand, commemorating their sacrifices in building this harrowing passage.

We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the scenic Sai Yok National Park followed by a visit to the cascading Sai Yok Tai waterfalls.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Be sure to return to the cruiser tonight for a farewell dinner.

Ban Hin Dad - Bangkok. Rise and shine with an early morning visit to a nearby temple. The temple visit provides an opportunity to engage in an act of 'merit' by offering food donations to the monks. Merit is believed to be a protective force that arises from performing good deeds. This sacred experience also creates a harmonious start to our day!

After breakfast back on the ship, we disembark and journey to Kanchanaburi, where we explore the captivating subterranean world of Wat Tham Khao Poon, featuring nine caverns adorned with Hindu and Buddhist shrines.

Our journey continues to the poignant Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum. Delve into the history of the 415km 'Death Railway,' built by enslaved Allied soldiers and Asian conscripts during World War II.

A visit to Don Rak War Cemetery follows, where 6,982 Allied POWs who lost their lives building the railway rest. We then reach the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai, famously known for inspiring the war-era film of the same name.

We enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant overlooking the bridge, before heading back to Bangkok.

Friday. Today marks the end of our Thailand adventure. The tour will conclude after hotel breakfast.

Whether you're continuing forward on your journey or heading back home now, take a moment to explore the markets for souvenirs or savor the delightful street food offerings, if time allows!